The Quality of Life Policy Group, set up by Mr Cameron to help the fight against climate change, also proposed a tax on workplace car parking spaces, a halt to airport growth, a tax on gas-guzzling 4x4s and restrictions on car advertising.

One of the most controversial ideas would require home-owners to pay to make their property greener if they increased their carbon footprint with a conservatory, extension or loft conversion.

Despite the commission recommending measures that would appear to penalise the lifestyles of traditional Tory voters, Mr Cameron embraced its findings, saying that much of it would be included in his next election manifesto.

But the 550-page report was condemned by many Tory traditionalists who feared it would cost the economy jobs and the party votes.

Matthew Sinclair, the Taxpayers' Alliance spokesman, said: "Research shows that existing green taxes already more than cover the cost of the UK's carbon footprint, so it is no surprise that a majority of the public think green taxes are just another excuse for politicians to raise revenue.

"If implemented, these proposals would harm working families, motorists and manufacturers who are already over-taxed."

Edmund King, of the RAC foundation, said the recommendations would "lead to a gridlocked and stalled economy with more congestion and pollution".

The pledge by Mr Cameron that rises in green taxes would be offset by tax reductions elsewhere failed to stop warnings from within the Conservative Party that the proposals would cost votes and threaten jobs and Britain's economic health.

Roger Helmer, the Tory Euro-MP, branded the ideas in the report as "half-baked" and "anti-Conservative nonsense". But Mr Cameron praised the report as the most "thoughtful and comprehensive" response of any party to the challenge of climate change.

The authors of the report were John Gummer, the former environment secretary, and Zac Goldsmith, the millionaire ecologist.